NEMA clears half of debris from collapsed hostel in Anambra, rescue efforts to continue Tuesday

The National Emergency Management Agency has paused search and rescue efforts at the site of the collapsed three-storey building in Amaokpala, Anambra State. They cleared at least 50 percent of the debris before this pause.

NEMA shared this update on its official X account on Monday evening. They said rescue operations would start again on Tuesday to look for any victims who might still be trapped under the remaining rubble.

The agency mentioned that all rescue equipment had been safely turned off after intensive work by emergency responders.

It said, “The search and rescue operation at the site of the collapsed three-storey building in Amaokpala has been suspended for the day following intensive rescue efforts by all responding agencies.

“All rescue equipment has been safely shut down, and operations will resume tomorrow to continue the search for any victims who may still be trapped beneath the remaining debris.

“At least 50 percent of the debris was successfully cleared during the operation, representing significant progress in the ongoing emergency response.”

NEMA's Head of Operations, Priscilla Madukwe, spoke to stakeholders at the scene. She praised all the agencies involved for their hard work and professionalism during this operation.

The agency added, “She urged all stakeholders to remain available and maintain the same level of cooperation as rescue activities resume tomorrow.

“The coordinated multi-agency response will continue until the search and rescue mission is successfully concluded.”

This update comes after a three-storey student hostel under construction collapsed in Amaokpala, Orumba North Local Government Area, Anambra State. This raised concerns that many people could be trapped under the rubble.

Emergency responders, including NEMA, the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Road Safety Corps, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, were sent to the scene to start rescue operations.

Meanwhile, the management of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, has dismissed claims that students died in this incident. They insisted that the collapsed structure did not belong to the school and that no student casualties had been reported.

The institution’s management mentioned that they checked the identities of students living in nearby hostels and confirmed that none were among those affected by the collapse.